Average Data Scientist Salary in Kentucky
Data Scientists in Kentucky earn an average of $99,060 per year across 1 metro area. This is +8.3% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$99,060
per year
Hourly Rate
$47.63
per hour
vs National
-8.3%
$108,020 national
Salary Range
$64,361
to $141,126
About Data Scientist Careers in Kentucky
Data scientists analyze and interpret complex data to help organizations make informed decisions. They combine expertise in statistics, programming, and domain knowledge to extract insights from large datasets. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven strategies, data scientists have become critical to competitive advantage across all industries.
In Kentucky, data scientists earn an average of $99,060 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $64,361 for entry-level roles to $141,126 for the most experienced professionals — +8.3% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by education level (phd commands premium), industry sector (tech, finance, healthcare), and the specific metro area within Kentucky.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$99,060
Cost of Living Index
92
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$107,674
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Kentucky's cost of living (below average), a Data Scientist's salary of $99,060 has the purchasing power of $107,674 in an average-cost area.
Data Scientist Salary by City in Kentucky
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville, KY | $99,060 | $47.63/hr | $64,361 | $141,126 | 137 |
Modeled estimates derived from the 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS national median and regional cost factors. Sorted by estimated median salary (highest first).
Kentucky vs National Average
Data Scientist Salary Comparison
Employment in Kentucky
There are approximately 137 Data Scientists employed across 1 metro area in Kentucky.
Key Industries: Automotive Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics
State Income Tax: 4% flat rate
Data Scientist Salary Range in Kentucky
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$64,361
Starting salary for new Data Scientists
Median (50th Percentile)
$99,060
Mid-career Data Scientist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$141,126
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Kentucky
Software Developer
$122,796
avg in KY
+$23,736 vs Data Scientist
Information Security Analyst
$111,559
avg in KY
+$12,499 vs Data Scientist
Computer Systems Analyst
$93,467
avg in KY
-$5,593 vs Data Scientist
Network Administrator
$88,045
avg in KY
-$11,015 vs Data Scientist
Computer User Support Specialist
$53,185
avg in KY
-$45,875 vs Data Scientist
Data Scientist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Data Scientist salaries in Kentucky with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Kentucky Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Data Scientist salary in Kentucky?
The average Data Scientist salary in Kentucky is $99,060 per year ($47.63/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 8.3% below the national average of $108,020.
What is the highest paying city for Data Scientists in Kentucky?
Louisville, KY is the highest paying city for Data Scientists in Kentucky, with a median salary of $99,060 per year.
What is the salary range for Data Scientists in Kentucky?
Data Scientist salaries in Kentucky range from $64,361 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $141,126 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $99,060 per year.
About This Data
The national median for this occupation comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The metro and state figures on this page are modeled estimates: we adjust that national median using regional wage differentials and cost-of-living indexes, then average the metros within Kentucky. They are not direct BLS metro observations and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers.